Liz Yelling did not steal the show in the British Gas Great North Cross Country - that distinction belonged to Ethiopian junior phenomenon Kenenisa Bekele, who won the men's race.

Liz Yelling did not steal the show in the British Gas Great North Cross Country - that distinction belonged to Ethiopian junior phenomenon Kenenisa Bekele, who won the men's race.

But yesterday Yelling, responding to support from a vociferous Newcastle crowd, produced the best performance of her life to suggest there are even better things on the horizon.

Pitted against some world-class performers, including France's European champion Yamna Belkacem, Yelling's brave front running saw her finish a splendid third to Susan Chepkemei and Esther Kiplagat.

Yelling, who is Paula Radcliffe's training partner, bravely took the 6.2 kilometre-race to her rivals.

Leading for three of the four circuits of Newcastle's Exhibition Park, she eventually succumbed to their experience as Chepkemei beat her fellow Kenyan by a second in 20 minutes 44 seconds.

Former teacher Yelling, who became a full-time athlete only two months ago, completed a punishing ordeal in 20 minutes 54 seconds.

No-one would have forecast the reigning English champion would hit the front from the starter's pistol, not even herself - but that's exactly what happened.

"Going for it from the front wasn't in the pre-race plan," said Yelling. "I just found myself at the front and pushed it on from there. I'm delighted with what I achieved. It promises much for the future."

While Yelling, at 27, is a late starter, Bekele, who won the World junior title in March, is already establishing a reputation.

Many have predicted Bekele will be the next great Ethiopian and follow in Haile Gebrselassie's footsteps - who is his coach and hero.

The 19-year-old managed to rip the guts out of a quality field - coasting home nine seconds ahead in 27 minutes 12 seconds.

Chasing him home was Ben Limo of Kenya, the 1999 World 5000 metres silver medallist.

But Bekele was helped by a gutsy run from Chester-le-Street's Stewy Bell. He forced the early pace and finished 13th, the fifth Briton home.

"Everything went to plan," said Bekele. "I wanted to sit in for the first three laps then step up the pace. I was surprised Limo was the only one who really came with me."

The BUPA International 4K saw Gareth Turnbull destroy Common-wealth 1500 metres silver medallist John Mayock's hopes of winning the title for a third time.